Wakefield council denies request to deed city property on Olson Avenue

THE WAKEFIELD city council discusses Martha Vestich's request for a deed at its meeting Monday evening. Pictured are, from left, mayor Les Schneck, member Ted Finco, city manager John Siira and city clerk Jennifer Jacobson.

WAKEFIELD - The Wakefield city council denied a request to deed city property near Olson Avenue to Martha Vestich.

The council discussed gaining right-of-way to the remainder of the city property from adjacent land owners, if Vestich's request was approved.

It heard the city's application for the Stormwater, Asset Management and Wastewater grant was not approved.

"Applications were approved through a random computer lottery rather than being scored on applications meeting certain criteria," city manager John Siira said in a news release, "The city's application is approximately No. 300 on a list of 600 applications and will be funded in two or three years."

The council accepted the 2014 Consumer Confidence Report, which informs consumers about their drinking water and opportunities to protect their source of water.

It heard the 2013 Building Inspector Report, which included the city's issuance of 46 building permits and a total of $1,670 collected for permit fees.

Currently, the city has no building permits for the 2014 construction season.

The council approved a one-year contract for city building inspector services with William Saily for April 15, 2014, to April 16, 2015, for $5,550. He has been the city's building inspector for 17 years.

The city received the final $6,930 payment from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the spillway gate project, said Siira. The project close-out documentation was sent to the MDNR on Feb. 11.

Siira also presented an update on the city's recommendation for funding for their Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant application.

"The MDNR still needs to receive legislative and governor approval, obtain an appropriation of funds and draft grant agreements," said Siira, "Then the city will need to approve the grant agreement."

The council also heard an update from the fire department.

Fire chief Mike Yon spoke of an on-file agreement between the department and a local resident to burn a fallen building on Smith Street. "Now I recommend we don't," he said.

"This is something the council will have to look at," said Siira.

The council also announced a retirement celebration for Eugene Maki to be held at the library on March 30.